For The Love Of Port

Opened it on Friday and drank over two days. What surprised me the most is the nose. How fresh and complex it has kept over these 2 days.

The color is bright ruby, no sign of evolution on the edge. The nose is so sensual, intense flavors of fresh cream, field berries, wood tea leaf and hint of vanilla gives all the freshness. On the palate, the acidity is dominant with notes of field berries and tar keeping good balance with the acidity. Tannins follow with a very nice texture, the finish, a bit short, is on field berries and grilled bread. Very enjoyable! 16.5/20 points

I'm sipping this wine as I type. Indeed a very nice wine, although the amount of oak on the nose and palate is worrying me a bit. Nice flavours and good fruit, but the oak just overpowers that slightly. Very enjoyable nonetheless; some cheese helps to bring the fruit more upfront. 88 points.

I have had the 2001 recently and here was my tasting note of the 2003:

2003 Quinta do Crasto Reserva Vinhas Velhas Douro Red – The vine age of this wine averages nearly 60 years old. Big, bold, dark cherry and plum flavors that offer greater depth than the regular bottling. A nice touch of mocha adds to the delicious finish and overall it has good long term potential! It could’ve used some more time in decanter. $38 btl./4,000 cases produced. 92+ points (10/28/05)

Not a bad price considering what some of the other Crasto reds are selling for!

I wonder what the price on the new vintages will be over here. The 2000 was available for around € 15,-.